title: [Are IT-based clinical pathways superior to hard-copy form?].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Today clinical pathways are established as a basis for the operational and organisational structure of surgical, interventional and conservative treatments in many hospitals.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  In our study we have evaluated the establishment and systematic applicability of IT-based clinical pathways in the department of general surgery in comparison with existing clinical pathways. Does the systematic application of IT-based clinical pathways improve the quality of medical treatment?
  
  
  METHODS
  In our department of general surgery we evaluated and compared the treatment by laparoscopic surgery before and after establishment of IT-based clinical pathways. The preoperative duration of stay, the duration of treatment and the patients' pain perception were compared. Since July 2009 we used in our department of general surgery an IT-based clinical pathway for laparoscopic cholecystectomy and hernia repair. From January 2006 until October 2009 we compared the treatment by these procedures with and without the use of IT-based clinical pathways.
  
  
  RESULTS
  From January 2006 until October 2009 743 patients underwent surgery and treatment following the conventional clinical pathway and 51 patients following the new, IT-based clinical pathway. In the group of patients who received a laparoscopic hernia repair we found a reduction of the preoperative duration of stay.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  IT-based clinical pathways are applicable for routine use in general surgery departments. For certain surgical procedures they are an eligible management device. IT-based clinical pathways lead to an improved operational structure of medical treatment and moreover to a complete and continuous documentation through the electronic file. Especially for departments which are using the electronic file, the use of IT-based clinical pathways can be recommended.
authors.affiliation: BG-Kliniken Bergmannstrost, Klinik für Unfall- und Wiederherstellungschirurgie, Halle, Deutschland. laho@gmx.net
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Homagk
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Wiesner
authors.forename: G O
authors.initials: GO
authors.lastname: Hofmann
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Zaage
mesh_terms: D002763:Cholecystectomy; D017081:Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic; D019091:Critical Pathways; D004282:Documentation; D017598:Efficiency, Organizational; D057286:Electronic Health Records; D042882:Gallstones / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D013502:General Surgery; D005858:Germany; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D006552:Hernia, Inguinal / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D010535:Laparoscopy; D007902:Length of Stay; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000175:diagnosis; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011327:Printing; D012984:Software